DISQUS

Jandy, that's great that you are getting to use your technical skills at the advertising company. I am teaching 1304 and making slow progress on my dissertation. I have enjoyed Waco but am very ready to move on. Thank you for linking me to your Oscar comments. I think it has been a poor movie year, though I haven't seen many of the foreign or independent. I am looking forward to seeing The Class but am sceptical. Tell No One was good but not great.I think Slumdog should win by default, being the least flawed of the BP candidates. I agree that Benjamin Button was lacking. I think I preferred Revolutionary Road over The Reader but liked both and Kate was great in both, although I thought Leo surpassed her. I would give best adapted screenplay to Slumdog but would probably give best pic to The Wrestler. I'm surprise you think this is a boring year :) Aside from the limited number of strong films, the contests seem interesting. Aside from the politics of best picture, there are four heavyweights for best actor, one would think Streep or Winslet wins best actress but Hathaway and Leo could pull an upset. Tomei is incredible and I've heard Adams is great, plus Davis and Henson are lesser known but integral to their pics. Art Direction and Cinematography seem wide open as is Director, though Boyle should win regardless of who wins best picture. I was bummed about the movie year but am excited about the awards. Plus how can you not be excited about Hugh Jackman hosting!

Jandy,
Hi, every time I check back I am reminded how much I love your websites! Are you going to do an Oscar special (your choices)? Maybe you already have but I couldn't find it. I am particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on Slumdog. I remember you are a D. Boyle devotee. I saw him in a great interview the other night on Tavis Smiley. I have seen all the major nominees except Doubt. I think The Wrestler affected me more than any movie this year, but of the BP nominees I go with Slumdog. I love Gus Van Sant but, politics aside, did not find Milk especially noteworthy besides Penn's performance. I love your TCM previews and think you will find more to like in Elephant. That knocked me out upon first viewing but gets me in a fresh way every time. And I always love to see you promote Casablanca. I have made it a traditional Christmas Eve movie (along with It's A Wonderful Life) and both get better each year--amazing. Are you working? Studying?
Eric S.

Jandy, great analysis on the posters. They are always fun to think about, even if the movies themselves aren't so hot. Haven't seen Margot either, but can't say it works for me because the heads are too small. The vampire script for Blood could have been intentional on PTA's part, with Daniel Plainveiw sucking the lives (and milkshakes) of everyone. Give The Assassination of Jesse James poster another look; it's in my top five. Definitely Casey's year. Let's get together for a viewing sometime soon if you have any time.

Jandy,

I'm really glad you liked Hannah. I'll put it in your top 5 WA but will have to have you choose sometime which one gets knocked out :)

Yes, The Shining is unlike any other. There are many angles of discussion, which is one reason I like it so much. Stephen King hates it, which is why he sanctioned the tv movie version, which I haven't seen. I think if King wanted it done a certain way then he should have put it contract before he took the money. I read the book ages ago and it is great but like you said, the best adaptations are usually re-interpretations. Shelley Duvall and the boy are often criticized for weak performances and perhaps rightly so. But I guess the strength of the two stars--Nicholson and the Overlook and all of the visuals carry the movie for sure.

I am looking forward to Once and think I will like it based on your report. Same for Bourne. I didn't see 2, liked the first (and the original book). Do you think one should have the first two fresh in mind for maximum enjoyment? That's a great question about smart action movies. It doesn't seem like there' s been too many. I will have to think about that one.

I have never tried a blog. The fact that you seem to be the most organized person I know and still get behind on your blog scares me :) But if you would ever have time to show me some basics I would love it and see if my technical ignorance is up to the challenge.

I think I know exactly what you mean about Sunset. I don't think it continues the pure romance of Sunrise, perhaps it's even an anti-romance. I think the rawness that you said and the realism were the right choice for the second, which makes the bookends genius. Had they continued the tone of the first I'm not sure it would have worked. I did find the ending ambiguous and one could argue it's a happy ending. I've not checked if there's been any conversation about their continuing the series a la the 7Up Series!
(which I haven't seen).

Eric

Jandy, your blog is amazing! So much good stuff. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about The Shining and Hannah and Her Sisters (favorites of mine) and Zodiac, which I liked a lot and wonder if, in this apparently weak movie year, it should be considered a major work.

Loved the Julie Delpy dancing clip. I love those movies and found that blogger's insight about Before Sunset idealizing their love interesting though I'm not sure I agree. Perhaps Sunrise does but Sunset can be a downer, depending on how one takes the ending.

I must confess to seeing Rush Hour 3 with low expectations and actually enjoyed it very much. Don't know if it would be in the guilty pleasure category but lots of laughs and good action = a pretty good summer flick.

Eric